Australia is facing a “triple outbreak” of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, putting major pressure on hospitals and clinics. Doctors report a surge in patients, especially among children and the elderly, while many families struggle with “prolonged periods of illness,” sometimes lasting weeks. Schools, workplaces, and care facilities have also been disrupted.

Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Bennett said this year’s flu season “peaked later than expected,” causing infections to linger longer. The overlap of viruses has “significantly increased the burden on both families and healthcare providers,” making recovery slower and extending the usual flu season.

Experts believe weather changes, shifts in public behavior, and more international travel have helped viruses spread faster across all age groups. These combined factors have made this outbreak more severe than usual.

Despite the challenges, health officials are hopeful that the situation will soon improve. Professor Peter Collignon said that while the viruses “are unlikely to vanish entirely,” cases should decline “by mid to late October.”

He urged the public to remain calm and continue following health precautions to limit the spread and protect vulnerable individuals.